Woodard’s cousin, Charlie, was the head coach at Silsbee, “and the first place he sent me was to coach Hooks,” Ray Woodard said. “He bent over backwards for me. I signed three players off his state championship teams and he’s been a good friend ever since.”

Woodard said the three WO-S players later helped Kilgore to a junior college conference championship. The roots planted way back then are what helped Woodard get familiar enough with Southeast Texas to eventually become Lamar University’s head coach.

Woodard considers Hooks an unbiased evaluator of high school players.

“He’s very honest and open about players,” Woodard said. “He knew he had some talent but he didn’t over play it. He’s a down-to-Earth guy. He knew to shoot me straight and not give me a bunch of bull about players.”

Woodard said Hooks promoted other players when they deserved it.

“He coached at this level as well,” Woodard said in reference to Hooks’ time coaching in college as a Lamar assistant. “He knew what we were looking for. He was very honest about it. He not only promoted his own players but the other players around here. He told me you need to go to Bridge City or Hamshire-Fannett or to Jasper to see this kid. He’s always keeping an eye out for players.”

Woodard said Hooks is invited to visit Lamar at any time.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him around here now that he’s retired,” Woodard said. “I hate that he’s stepping down because when you think of West Orange-Stark you think of Dan Hooks. He certainly deserves (to retire). He’s been coaching a long time.”